World Heart Day 2024: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Prevention, and Hormonal Impact in Women

Heart attacks rank among the leading causes of death globally for both men and women. While men generally face a higher risk, women often exhibit different symptoms that can make detection challenging. This issue becomes particularly critical for women over 40, especially post-menopause. The Global Burden of Disease Study indicates that over 400,000 women experience premature deaths each year due to cardiovascular diseases.

World Heart Day, observed on September 29, focuses on raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases. This day serves as a reminder to understand the symptoms, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the role of hormones in heart attacks among women.

Heart Attack In Women: Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, women frequently describe heart attacks as sensations of pressure or tightness, rather than severe chest pain, which may not always be the most prominent symptom. Additionally, medical news indicates that women often experience warning signs for weeks leading up to a heart attack.

Let us explore some symptoms of heart attacks in women:

1. Unusual Fatigue and WeaknessExtreme exhaustion, even after simple tasks, can signal a heart attack. Women may also feel weak alongside symptoms like dizziness, anxiety and lightheadedness. If these feelings persist, it may be time to consult a cardiologist.
2. SweatingExperiencing cold sweats can be a sign of a heart attack in women.
3. Upper Body PainWomen may feel pain in the upper body, including the jaw, neck or arms, weeks prior to a heart attack. This pain is often non-specific and may start in one area before spreading to others.
4. Sleep DisturbanceIrregular sleep patterns, such as waking up frequently at night or feeling exhausted despite adequate sleep, can occur in women weeks before a heart attack.
5. Stomach IssuesSymptoms like indigestion, nausea and vomiting may also be present in some women before a heart attack.

Heart Attack Risk Factors

1. MenopauseWomen above 40 must be more careful as the risk of heart attack increases after menopause due to decreasing estrogen levels. Post-menopause symptoms of a heart attack may include upper body pain, chest pain, irregular heartbeat and sweating without activity.
2. Medical conditionsWomen suffering from health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and autoimmune disorders, are more likely to have a heart attack. Medical conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, or a history of preeclampsia during pregnancy also increase risk.
3. GeneticsWomen with a family history of heart disease are at an increased risk. The National Institutes of Health states that individuals with a male family member who experienced a heart attack before the age of 55 or a female relative before 65 are more likely to face similar risks.
4. Health conditionsWomen with comorbidities such as high blood pressure and cholesterol are more prone to the risk. Pregnant women must be more careful as these conditions tend to develop during pregnancy.
5. LifestyleUse of tobacco or stimulant drugs such as cocaine or a sedentary lifestyle, or high levels of stress can increase the risk of heart attack.

Prevention of heart attack in women

Prevention of heart attacks in women includes a comprehensive approach and a healthy lifestyle. This includes a watchful diet, physical activities and regular checkups. Let us explore some steps to prevent heart attacks in women:

1. Stress managementStress can cause the arteries to constrict increasing the risk of a heart attack. Women must take steps to manage stress such as practicing mindfulness and taking out time to do the things they love.
2. Maintain a healthy weightMaintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of many diseases including a heart attack. Women must calculate their appropriate weight according to their body mass index in consultation with a healthcare provider.
3. Regular check-upsEarly detection and treatment can reduce the symptoms that can lead to a heart attack in women.
4. ExerciseA few minutes of physical activity can go a long way in preventing cardiac risks such as heart attacks. In general, women must aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking at a brisk pace every day.

Role of hormones in heart attack

Estrogen prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases in women. As a result, women become more prone to heart attacks after menopause when estrogen levels reduce. Women who experience early menopause, especially after a hysterectomy, are also more likely to develop heart disease. Reduced estrogen in women can lead to blood clots, atherosclerosis and high cholesterol, all increasing the risk of heart attacks.